Arctic Communications Strategist with the Permafrost Pathways project at the Woodwell Climate Research Center, Falmouth, MA, USA
Mission:
Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) conducts science for solutions at the nexus of climate, people, and nature. We partner with leaders and communities for just meaningful impact to address the climate crisis.
Summary/Objective:
Permafrost Pathways was launched in 2022 with funding through the TED Audacious Project—a collaborative funding initiative catalyzing big, bold solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges. Through a joint effort between Woodwell Climate Research Center, the Arctic Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School, and the Alaska Institute for Justice. Permafrost Pathways brings together leading experts in climate science, policy action, and environmental justice to advance equitable solutions to Arctic permafrost thaw.
The Arctic Communications Strategist for Permafrost Pathways will work closely with Project Scientists, Communications, and Policy teams as well as Project Partners as a key leader in delivering brand and communications strategy with a focus to advance project priorities on multiple platforms.
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate and coordinate closely with Woodwell Climate Communications department and Permafrost Pathways leadership team to develop, execute, and implement the strategic and comprehensive communications campaign(s) to advance the long-term vision and goals of the project in alignment with Woodwell Climate’s strategic plan.
- Lead the creation and delivery of Permafrost Pathways digital media strategies to advance project objectives and relevant narratives.
- Oversee and assist with digital asset organization for Permafrost Pathways including project photos, maps, videos, etc.
- Manage Permafrost Pathways social media strategy and provide written content ensuring a cohesive, unified, and consistent brand identity for Arctic social media platforms.
- Oversee and assist with preparation and dissemination of Permafrost Pathways’ digital quarterly newsletter.
- Determine and recommend the best media outlets for communications initiatives connected to the project’s goals, while proactively identifying opportunities for media engagement. This may include coordination with an external media agency and Woodwell Climate’s Communications department.
- Collaborate, write, edit, and promote strong and engaging stories, talking points, press releases, statements, quotes, and other media tools aimed at: promoting Permafrost Pathways’ objectives; increasing/maintaining project awareness; and growing audiences across all platforms.
- Monitor, track and report on Permafrost Pathways’ communications impact and use this information to guide communications strategy.
- Work with Woodwell Climate’s geospatial analysts on the creation and implementation of impactful maps and geographical visualizations to elevate narratives and storytelling for Permafrost Pathways materials as needed.
- Provide copywriting and editing support as needed.
- Provide intermittent graphic design support for select project materials, as needed.
- Assist with other communications projects and activities as needed.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field is required.
- Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience managing internal & external communications, public relations, crisis communications, and digital marketing strategy and social justice.
- Commitment to understanding racial and economic equity, environmental justice, and climate resilience, particularly in the context of working with Arctic Indigenous communities.
- Exceptional written, visual, and oral communication skills with demonstrated attention to detail.
- Experience communicating technical scientific information into clear, engaging language for diverse audiences.
- Proficient and up to date knowledge of digital marketing engagement and experience in storytelling campaigns to expand the projects.
- Strong ability to work independently, collaboratively, and creatively to find solutions to challenges.
- Organized, analytical, conscientious work ethic, and mission driven.
- Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities.
- Some travel required for team retreats and Permafrost Pathways or Woodwell-associated events.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
- Master’s degree is highly preferred, but not required.
- Understanding of how climate change is impacting Arctic regions is strongly preferred, but not required.
- Strong interest in leading a communications strategy that includes work with Arctic Indigenous and local communities, policy makers, scientists, and the public.
Application review will be ongoing.
Desired Start Date: 31 July 2023
Classification and Compensation:
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position, the annual salary range is $85,000.00 – $105,000.00 dependent on qualifications/experience. Woodwell Climate offers a generous benefits package, relocation costs, and work life balance. The selected candidate is expected to report on campus at least three days per week.
Location: Falmouth, Massachusetts preferred/Hybrid considered
Application Instructions:
To apply, please send your cover letter addressing your experience and qualifications in relation to the responsibilities of this position, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references as a single PDF to our career’s portal. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Please type ARCS on all correspondence.
Please visit Woodwell’s website to learn more about Woodwell’s work.
Located on a 10-acre campus near the village of Woods Hole, the Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) is a private, non-profit research center. Woodwell is a leading source of climate science that drives the urgent action needed to solve climate change. Woodwell has 100+ staff members and is excited to welcome new employees to this work.
Woodwell is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, mental, or physical disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, familial status, veteran status, or genetic information. Woodwell is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for all individuals in employment practices, services, programs, and activities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Woodwell
WE NEED ALL VOICES IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is the greatest challenge of our lifetimes. Woodwell Climate Research Center (Woodwell) understands that the climate crisis—from causes to consequences—is inextricably linked with persistent social injustice. Effectively addressing either requires addressing both. The climate crisis demands that we bring to bear all of the knowledge, expertise, innovation, and creativity that we can collectively muster, and those who have been marginalized and disproportionately impacted must be heard.
The work Woodwell does—the questions we ask, the ways we seek answers, and the strategies we put forward—is stronger when shaped by a diversity of knowledge, perspectives, and experiences. We strive to welcome, respect, and amplify differing voices. We value individuals as they are, with all their differences in race, age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, language, and mental and physical abilities.
Woodwell acknowledges that our organization, and the scientific community more broadly, have a long way to go in living up to these ideals. We approach the work of improving our organization with the same ambition and commitment to systemic change that we bring to addressing climate change.
We will inevitably make mistakes, but we will continue to listen, learn, and do this critical work. We understand that this work requires an ongoing commitment from each and every one of us. We are actively engaged in building and sustaining an equitable and inclusive culture within our organization, and in fostering greater diversity in climate science.
